White phosphorus genotoxicity

Abstract

The genotoxicity of white phosphorus was previously evaluated using the Ames test, which demonstrated the absence of toxicity. However, with all the advantages of this method, the use of the Ames test has some shortfallsin assessing genotoxicity. For this purpose, a series of supplementary tests wereconducted, including the SOS-lux test for DNA damaging activity. In the present work,the SOS-lux test confirmed the genotoxicity of white phosphorus. Based on a review of the literature, our results denote a first report on the genotoxic properties of white phosphorus. Allium test showed the mitotoxic effect of white phosphorus on eukaryotic cells.